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How do you interpret the specifications of a speaker system?

Jun 18, 2011 8:50 PM

I'm looking for a new set of 2.1 computer speakers (for < $100), and don't really know how to buy speakers. The only things I really ever looked at before are power and audio sensitivity, which are measured in Watts and dB respectively. But then again, I'm not sure how accurately they measure the quality of speakers.

For example, these (http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Tech--AR504LR-BK-Soundstage-Subwoofer/dp/B0029Z9UNW/ref=sr_1_20?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1308429877&sr=1-20) have RMS 35W of power. But these (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SS-B1000-8-Inch-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B000OG88KY/ref=sr_1_22?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1308430101&sr=1-22) are cheaper with ~60W RMS Power. What makes one better than the other?

I also would factor brand names (say, Polk over Coby), and also reviews... but are there other ways to read speaker specs?

gchinkin gchinkin

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With around a hundred bucks to spend, I would go with one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121036 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121048

If you would rather have home theater speakers (like your links), I would look at these and add a sub later. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290200

missellienc missellienc
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You can't trust the specs in many cases, so don't use just them to choose your speakers. Specs can be manipulated by the manufacturer by leaving out key testing criteria and making them look better than they really are. One of the biggest is Frequency Response. They often give you the full range, but not where the usable cut-offs are. In other words, they say their speaker goes all the way down to 20hz., but in reality, you may have stopped hearing good, usable sound at something higher, say 45hz or whatever. Get out and listen to some in your price range and check out some online forums, like this one: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/

loubriccant loubriccant
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Yes, I'm not sure why I put up only bookshelf speakers, but I had considered the Polk ones you suggested also.

My choices are currently these:
http://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Acoustics-Subwoofer-Satellite-CA-3602/dp/B0027VT6V4/ref=pd_cp_MI_2
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Speaker-System-Z523-Subwoofer/dp/B002FU5QMK/ref=sr_1_10?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1308429877&sr=1-10

gchinkin gchinkin

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